1.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
2.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
3.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
4.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
5.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
6.The role and mechanism of gut microbiota in the development of diabetic nephropathy
Mei HAN ; Gang ZHANG ; Jin ZHAO ; Anjing WANG ; Yueqing HUI ; Shiren SUN
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):742-748
Diabetic nephropathy(DN)ranks as a frequent and serious complication in diabetes mellitus,and it's a key factor in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD),greatly diminishing the life quality of patients.Presently,the conventional treatment approaches for DN mainly involve strict regulation of blood sugar and pressure,in conjunction with the application of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.While these therapies can slow down the advancement of DN,they are ineffective in stopping its final development into ESRD.Lately,the involvement of the gut-kidney axis in the development and advancement of DN has attracted growing interest.Individuals suffering from DN show changes in the variety of gut microbiota,which are crucial in the development and management of DN due to metabolic interactions with the host.The goal of this analysis is to explore the fundamental processes of gut microbiota's role in DN and explore treatment approaches focusing on gut microbiota,aiming to offer new perspectives for the clinical handling of DN.
7.Clinicopathological analysis of 200 cases of traditional serrated adenoma
Li LI ; Hui LI ; Jie CHEN ; Mei HAN ; Xiuqing LI ; Fei KE ; Yifen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(3):345-351
Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features of traditional serrated adenoma(TSA).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data,endoscopic,and pathological features of 200 TSA patients.HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed.The clinical pathological features were statistically analyzed using x2 test,and relevant literature was reviewed.Results There were 114 males(57.0%)and 86 females(43.0%),with ages ranging from 27 to 92 years(mean age 56.2 years).Among the patients,147(73.5%)were aged ≥ 50 years,and 53(26.5%)were aged<50 years.Of the 207 TSA lesions,143(69.1%)were located in the distal colon and rectum,while 57(27.5%)were in the proximal colon and rectum.Endoscopic features included 72 lesions(34.8%)with a perpendiculated appearance,48 lesions(23.2%)with a flat appear-ance,and some exhibiting a pinecone-like appearance.The maximum diameter of the lesions was ≤ 10 mm in 136 ca-ses(65.7%),and>10 mm in 71 cases(34.3%).The typical histopathological features of TSA included serrated contours,eosinophilic cytoplasm,pencil-like nuclei,and ectopic crypt foci.The most common pathological type was the classic TSA(152 lesions,73.4%),followed by the mucin-rich TSA(39 lesions,18.8%).12 cases(5.8%)of TSA exhibited high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN)and 3 case(1.5%)of TSA progressed to carcinoma,con-sistent with TSA-originated colorectal cancer(TSA-CRC).Immunophenotype:in 34 cases TSA,Ki67 showed diffuse positivity in basal cells and scattered positivity on the surface.In all 35 cases TSA,p53 showed weak positive nuclear positivity(1%to 60%),and PTEN and MLH1 were retained.In the 12 cases of TSA with HGIN and 3 cases of TSA-CRC,Ki67 showed diffusely positive,CK20 was strongly positive diffusely,and MLH1 was retained.In 9 cases of TSA with HGIN,p53 was diffusely strongly positive,and in 12 cases,PTEN was lost.All 3 cases of TSA-CRC showed dif-fuse strong nuclear p53 positivity.The molecular detection showed there were BRAF V600E gene mutation in 8 cases.There were 6 cases with KRAS G12V mutation as well as 1 case with KRAS G13D mutation among the 7 cases of KRAS mutation.The primary surgical approach(111 cases,53.6%)was endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR).Conclu-sion TSA exhibits characteristic histological and endoscopic features.Lesions with a maximum diameter>10 mum are more likely to progress to HGIN or adenocarcinoma.It is crucial to enhance the awareness of pathologists and clini-cians,particularly regarding TSA with atypical hyperplasia or invasive carcinoma,to avoid misdiagnosis and missed di-agnoses.
8.Research status of traditional Chinese medicine regulating oxidative stress to prevent and treat diabetic kidney disease
Xiao-long MEI ; Kun ZHANG ; LI-hui FAN ; Lu-mei ZHANG ; Xia YANG ; Zhi-gang WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):127-131
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus,and it has become the main cause of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease.Traditional Chinese medicine can delay the progress of DKD by inhibiting oxidative stress,improving renal tissue damage,restoring renal function.This paper will summarize the relationship between oxidative stress and DKD and the prevention and treatment of DKD by traditional Chinese medicine,so as to provide reference for clinical drug application,basic research and new drug research and development of DKD.
9.Concept analysis of care-resistant behavior in dementia patients
Han LI ; Yingqi HUANG ; Fei DU ; Qiushi ZHANG ; Yongxia MEI ; Hui XU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(15):1818-1823
Objective To analyze and clarify the concept and connotation of care-resistant behavior in dementia patients,so as to provide references for the evaluation and practice of care-resistant behavior in clinical dementia patients.Methods PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,CINAHL,CNKI,VIP,Wanfang database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were systematically searched for the literature on care-resistant behavior in dementia patients.The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to December 2024.Walker and Avant's classical concept analysis method was used to analyze the literature.Results The care-resistant behav-ior in dementia patients included 5 conceptual attributes,including nursing background,perceived threat,unmet needs,lack of understanding and multi-dimensional performance.The antecedent factors include patient factors,care-giver factors,environmental factors and organizational factors.Post-impact includes the impact on patients and the impact on caregivers.Conclusion This study clarified the conceptual attributes,antecedents and post-effects of care-resistant behavior in dementia patients through concept analysis.In the future,researchers should combine the connotation of dementia patients' care-resistant behavior,develop localized assessment tools for dementia patients' care-resistant behavior,and construct targeted intervention programs,so as to improve the quality of nursing staff and enhance the care experience of dementia patients.
10.Association between growth hormone peak and body fat percentage in children with short stature
Qianqian ZHAO ; Mei ZHANG ; Yanying LI ; Yanhong ZHANG ; Xinguo HOU ; Hui PAN ; Bo BAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):476-481
Objective:To investigate the association between peak growth hormone(GH) levels and body fat mass as well as body fat percentage in children with short stature.Methods:This retrospective study included 477 children diagnosed with short stature at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University between January 2021 and November 2024, based on data from the Growth and Development Disease Follow-up Cohort Study(GDDSD) in Shandong Province. Clinical data including anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and body composition were collected. The relationship between GH peak and body fat mass and percentage were analyzed using smooth curve fitting and multiple piecewise linear regression models.Results:In univariate linear regression analysis, both body fat mass and body fat percentage were positively correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, total body water, protein, and skeletal muscle mass(all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with GH peak and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, a nonlinear relationship was observed between GH peak and both body fat mass and body fat percentage, with inflection points at 6.80 ng/mL and 7.75 ng/mL, respectively. When GH peak was below the inflection point, it was significantly negatively correlated with body fat mass and percentage( P<0.001). However, when GH peak exceeded the inflection point, the associations were no longer statistically significant( P>0.05). Conclusions:This study demonstrates a nonlinear relationship between peak GH levels and body fat percentage in children with short stature. At lower GH peaks, both body fat mass and body fat percentage increase significantly, which may contribute to an elevated future risk of cardiovascular disease.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail